The Port of Olympia has narrowed its search for a new executive director from 34 candidates to four finalists, the port announced Jan. 30. The successful candidate would succeed former Executive Director Sam Gibboney, who departed last year.
The port commission and a subcommittee panel are expected to conduct final interviews on Feb. 6 with Thurston County Community Planning and Economic Development Director Joshua Cummings, Public Policy and Economic Development Consultant Anthony Hemstad, City of Olympia Economic Development Director Michael Reid and Alexandra Smith, who served as an environmental programs director at the port, according to The Olympian, a local newspaper.
“The commission would like to express its gratitude to all the applicants and stakeholders who have participated in the selection process,” Port Commissioner President Bob Iyall said. “We are very pleased to have such highly qualified candidates.”
Former Executive Director Gibboney agreed to separate from the port in September after serving in the top job since 2018. She was previously the executive director of the Port of Port Townsend.
Longtime port veteran Rudy Rudolph has served as interim executive director while the port conducts its search.
Gibboney was on medical leave from the port from early June through early August. She was then placed on administrative leave Aug. 7, which is when Rudolph was named the port’s interim executive director.
